Things to Do Within Walking Distance of the Cruise Ship Pier in Nassau

A few blocks to the right of the Straw Market is British Colonial Hilton, which has a private beach where you can relax for a few hours. You must purchase a day pass from the front desk to use the beach, but the pass also includes a food and beverage credit, and access to the hotel’s pool, beach towels and non-motorized sports activities. If you walk another five minutes past the British Colonial Hilton, you’ll run into the free public beach, Junkanoo Beach. While it may not be as well-kept as the private beaches, plenty of tourists take advantage of the free beach near the cruise pier, and the water is just as perfect for swimming and snorkeling as any other beach. You can also get fresh conch salad, fritters and other Bahamian fare at rock-bottom prices at one of the many tiki huts along the beach, something you would pay a premium for at private beaches.